At 2:51 am the Merrick Fire Department was alerted for a house at Lincoln Blvd. and Merrick Road. While en-route to the fire the Nassau County Police advised the fire department that the house was fully involved with fire. Chief of Department Ronald Luparello was first to arrive and assessed the fire. Chief Luparello was told by an occupant that someone was still inside the house. Chief Luparello informed incoming units that there was a report of a person trapped in the house. The first arriving engine (642) and first arriving ladder truck (6411) began an extremely aggressive search and rescue operation as well as an aggressive attack on the fire. Second due engine (643) assisted with the first line and getting an additional line place. A short time later firefighters informed the command post that the victim was located in the house. With a team effort the victim was carried from the fire to an awaiting ambulance (6414) and transported to the Nassau University Medical Center where the victim was later pronounced dead. The Merrick Fire Department called for assistance from the following fire departments: North Merrick – One ladder truck to the scene, Bellmore – one FAST Team and one ambulance to the scene, North Bellmore – one engine for standby, Wantagh – one ladder truck for standby. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Nassau County Fire Marshall and the Nassau County Police. There were no reported injuries to any firefighters.
